Following big losses on Asian markets overnight and a weak performance on Wall Street, French shares closed sharply lower on Wednesday, dpa reported.
The Paris Bourse's benchmark CAC 40 ended the session down 5.1 per cent, to 3,298.18, with only one of its 40 listed stocks gaining ground.
Drinks giant Pernod Ricard led the declining issues, giving up 13.62 per cent, to 42.26 euros.
Industrials were the hardest-hit sector, with transport manufacturer Alstom losing 12.84 per cent, to 38.60 euros, and steel-makers ArcelorMittal and Vallourec off by 10.06 and 9.81 per cent to, respectively, 19.26 euros and 79.45 euros.
European aerospace group EADS was the day's only winner, up a little over 1 per cent, to 10.40 euros, because of the steeply falling euro.